May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and while the month is coming to a close, it’s never too late to brush up on how to stay safe on the road. Whether you are dusting off your motorcycle for summer or prefer to stay within the air-conditioned comfort of your car, staying safe on the road with motorcycles is a two-way street!

TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HELMET, JACKET, AND EQUIPMENT

Your safety gear does more than make riding more comfortable — it can help you been seen by motorists and keep you protected while you’re on the road. Today’s market is filled with helmets of all shapes and sizes, and in the event of an accident, it can potentially save your life. A reflective safety jacket or vest allows drivers to see you better every hour of the day.

SLOW DOWN & BE SEEN

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to be on constant alert of your surroundings and intentions of others on the road. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error, so it is important to do your part to be seen while you are out on your bike. This means riding within a driver’s line of sight and making sure you are not situated within any blind spots. It is also important to maintain caution at stop signs and intersections, where half of all vehicle/motorcycle collisions occur.

USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS DAY & NIGHT

Like the reflectors on a bicycle, your headlights help alert drivers you are approaching and helps them adjust their course accordingly. Using your headlights during the day helps establish your right of way and helps your remain conspicuous on the road.

OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD

While you may have a more nimble and lean ride, remember the easiest way to be seen on your bike is to stay in the appropriate lanes, avoid riding on the shoulder, and use the appropriate turn signals or hand signals when merging into another lane.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BRUSH UP ON YOUR SKILLS

Interested in becoming a better rider? Need to brush up on your skills? Consider taking a class through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They offer classes for every skill set, from beginning riders to those looking to master the specifics of their motorcycle. Visit their website for more information on local course offerings, class information, and more.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS

CHECK YOUR BLIND SPOTS

Chances are you have uttered “They came out of nowhere!” at least once while behind the wheel of your car. While it seems like motorcycles can appear out of thin air, there is a good shot they were actually in your blind spot. It is a motorcyclist’s job to make sure they are visible and avoid cruising within a vehicle’s blind spot, but you can do your due diligence and check that space for bikers when merging lanes or passing vehicles. It is also important to make sure your side view mirrors are properly set to increase visibility of the spaces outside your car.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

It is never a good idea to follow a vehicle too closely, but when sharing the road with motorcyclists, you should maintain a safe following distance, especially at night. Motorcycles react more quickly than cars to braking, so increasing the span between you and the motorcyclists allows you to both appropriately slow down and react to what is in front of you. Also remember, a motorcyclist’s brake lights might not always be engaged when a motorcycle decelerates.

CHECK THE WEATHER & CONDITIONS

Compared to a motorcycle, your car is essentially anchored to the ground by its weight and tires. What may seem like a nuisance to you — heavy rain, gravel, fog, and so on — can be treacherous and almost impossible for a motorcyclist to travel through. When the weather takes a turn or you hit patches of road construction, keep in mind that riders will need to make adjustments to their riding style in order to remain safe and visible on the road.

USE YOUR BLINKERS

There may be no one approaching in the left lane, but using your blinker lets all others on the road know your intention to change lanes. While this maneuver may seem like nothing to you, as you increase speed, it causes a gust of wind which can cause a motorcycle to become unstable and blow the rider off the road. By announcing your intention to change lanes, it allows the rider to prepare for potential changes in conditions.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN. CHIARIELLO & CHIARIELLO IS HERE TO HELP

For two generations, the attorneys at Chiariello & Chiariello have represented clients across Long Island and New York City in personal injury and accident cases. We work diligently to provide each client with fair, reasonable representation and quality results. We care about helping you get back on the road and back to enjoying your life.

To receive more information about our vehicle accident services, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today at (516) 360-2869.

Posted in Personal Injury | No Comments »

Using public transportation can be a great way to save money or reduce your carbon footprint; however, it can also be dangerous. Bus accidents affect people across the country each year. If you’re involved in an accident, here’s what you need to know.

BUS ACCIDENTS IN NEW YORK

Public transportation can be a fantastic way to get around your city. In fact, according to the American Public Transportation Fact Book, in 2016, passengers traveled more than 58 billion miles using public transportation in the United States. Buses today are designed to be comfortable and easy for passengers to use. Most buses include handicap-accessible options and many also include amenities such as Wi-Fi or bike racks. It’s important to understand, however, that riding the bus does carry with it certain risks. Like any motor vehicle, it’s possible for a bus to be involved in an accident. An accident could be minor or it could be quite serious. Before you ride the bus in your city, there are a few things you need to know.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?

If you or someone you love is involved in an accident while riding the bus, make sure you document the incident as carefully as possible. You need to seek medical care for any injuries you may experience as promptly as you can. You should also speak with the police to make sure the accident is carefully documented. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the accident. Note the date, time, and location the accident occurred, as this information will be vital later on, especially when it comes to determining the statute of limitations for the accident. Always meet with an attorney promptly, as well, to talk about your options for seeking compensation.

PREVENTING BUS ACCIDENTS

While no one can completely prevent automobile accidents, it’s possible to reduce your risk by choosing reputable bus lines who have their vehicles serviced on a regular basis. This can help minimize the chance of a flat tire or vehicle malfunction that can lead to an accident. If you are a pedestrian or cyclist in a busy city, make sure you wear safety gear and pay attention to your surroundings. Always follow the rules of the road in order to minimize your chances of colliding with a bus.

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Damages may be awarded to you in order to help you cover your associated medical expenses. Additionally, if you have lost wages or been fired from your job due to your accident, you may be entitled to further compensation. An auto accident attorney can help you during this time, so call today to schedule your consultation. Whether your bus accident happened today or a few months ago, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek assistance from an attorney who can guide you through the legal process after your accident.

INVOLVED IN BUS ACCIDENT? TALK TO CHIARIELLO & CHIARIELLO

Whether you’re hurt traveling in a bus or involved in a crash with a bus, the attorneys at Chiariello & Chiariello are here for you. We represent clients across Queens, Long Island, NYC, and surrounding areas in a full range of personal injury matters. Talk to us at (516) 360-2869 today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Resources:
https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/Resources/resources/statistics/Documents/FactBook/2018-APTA-Fact-Book.pdf
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/transit-statistics/
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction/

Posted in Personal Injury | No Comments »